Mercedes-AMG has followed the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz this week by revealing the hot AMG version of the new C-Class coupe.
The standard C-Class coupe was revealed earlier this week and it’s very pretty. However performance fans were craving a hardcore AMG model and it’s finally been revealed. It’ll go on sale in Germany in March 2016 and visually it shares some similarities with the standard coupe. However numerous performance bits have been bolted on and these include aggressive front bumper, a front splitter and an AMG-branded grille. The model also has an aluminum powerdome hood, a trunk-mounted spoiler and a new rear bumper with a diffuser that is flanked by a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system.
Underneath the bonnet lurks the same V8 engine that does duty in the five-door C63 sedan. It’s a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine packing a 349 kW and 650 Nm punch. Power reached the rear wheels through a seven-speed Speedshift MCT transmission, giving it a 0-100kph time of 4.0 seconds. It’ll go onto a limited top speed of 250kph, unless you fit the optional AMG Driver’s Package which will increase that limit to 290kph.
If this is not enough for you, then you can opt for the C63 AMG S Coupe which features the same engine, but tuned to deliver 375kW and 700Nm. A 0-100kph time of 3.9 seconds is claimed, while top speeds remain the same.
The official reveal of the C63 AMG coupe will take place at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany, and Cars.co.za will be in attendance.
C63 AMG Coupe Video
New Renault Models Planned for SA
Renault SA confirmed that before year-end the local Clio range will receive a new addition to its model lineup. Also under keen consideration is the introduction of the A segment SUV/Crossover Kwid that was launched in Europe during May this year.
Clio Automatic
At the launch of the facelifted Renault Duster, the brand let slip that the Clio will be receiving an automatic model to help strengthen sales. The engine and gearbox combination will be a direct pull from the recently launched Captur. This means the Clio will get a 1.2-Litre turbo petrol mated to the EDC dual-clutch gearbox. From our experience with the dual-clutch gearbox in the Captur, it could do with an upgrade to make it less jerky in shifts. It may feel different in the Clio, but there was no word on why the manual gearbox could not be used as well.
Thecurrent 890cc Clio engine has been a superb seller for Renault, but has always felt like it needed a little bit more shove. The 1.2-Litre turbo should no doubt provide that with its 88 kW and 190 Nm. We look forward to getting a drive when its launched later this year.
Kadjar and Trophy
Also on the cards for Renault, albeit only in 2016 is the Renault Kadjar and Clio Trophy. The Kadjar is a Qashqai based compact SUV that looks like a good prospect for our market considering our love for SUVs. The Clio Trophy, with its upgraded dual-clutch gearbox and enhanced handling will also land in SA early in 2016 and hopefully provide some proper competition for the all-conquering Polo GTI.
Kwid
Renault SA is currently considering the feasibility of introducing the Kwid to South Africa. The Kwid takes compact SUVs/crossovers to another level. Think of it as a Sandero Stepway but a little bit larger and taller and a touch more premium. The Kwid looks interesting and could see Renault start a new fad of even smaller crossovers joining our roads.
Renault Duster Facelift (2015) First Drive
Renault has now updated the range with a few exterior touches and some interior enhancements. We were at the local launch in Joburg to see how its improved.
The Renault Duster has become a South African favourite, amassing sales of over 8000 vehicles since its introduction here less than two years ago. Its rugged off-road looks paired with excellent pricing and the option of 4×4 have certainly helped Renaults cause.
The new stuff
From the outside its a very slight facelift. The front grille is now a single blade unit, making it more prominent and the headlights have been swapped for a more modern looking set. On certain models the door handles are now colour coded and the roof rails have been made chunkier. Cruise control is standard on all models as is park distance control a major plus.
The engine range remains the same with a 1.6-Litre petrol capable of 77 kW and 148 Nm. The diesel derivative can be made either in 4×2 or in 4×4 guise and sports 80 kW and 240 Nm. We drove the diesel on launch in 4×2 mode and it impressed. The torque delivery is strong initially and its got enough constant push to get you past vehicles on the open road. Matched with a competent six-speed gearbox the Duster returns excellent fuel economy figures. We averaged around 5.5L/100km over our 300km of driving that included dirt roads, traffic and a fair amount of cruising at 110kph. Thats not too far off the claimed 4.8L/100km.
Inside upgrade
Part of the Dusters revamps has included a more premium looking seat cover with Duster logos on the headrests. Ergonomically it remains a bit strange with the touchscreen located at knee height on the centre dash. It means you have to look down every time you want to adjust something or set the navigation. The materials surrounding the dashboard and door panels seem quite rugged and durable.
The instrument binnacle has also been replaced by one that looks similar to the Renault Megane’s. Apparently Renault SA has changed its source for the Duster from India to Romania, resulting in a better quality product. Well have to wait for a full test to see if this is the case. If you choose a Dynamique spec Duster, you get the option to fit it with leather seats and it comes standard with satellite navigation.
Dirt road prowess
Over the course of our test drive the Duster proved its certainly an all-purpose vehicle. Its comfortable on a dirt road and soaks up bumps like a much more expensive SUV does. There is a fair amount of feedback from a corrugated feedback through the steering wheel however. Only the 4×4 model in the range gets traction control which is a bit of a skimp by Renault as they market the car as a family vehicle.
Renault Duster Pricing
Despite sourcing the Duster from Romania now, the pricing changes less than one-percent across the range. The 4×4 is the pick of the range though as it offers that added off-road talent with traction control for only R15 000 more than the 4×2. Overall the pricing is extremely keen when compared to competitors like the Ford Ecosport or Nissan Juke.
Duster 1.6 EXPRESSION 4×2 75kW petrol R215 900
Duster 1.6 DYNAMIQUE 4×2 75kW petrol R233 900
Duster 1.5 DCI DYNAMIQUE 4×2 80kW diesel R254 900
Duster 1.5 DCI DYNAMIQUE 4×4 80kW diesel R269 900
2015 Hyundai i20 Automatic – Quick Review
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO
The Hyundai i20 is a very popular car in South Africa, a feat it has achieved in spite of being quite dull to look at. But the new one is a huge leap forward.
There are some things in life that are only going to get worse. Eskom tariff hikes, traffic, the size of Cadbury chocolate slabs, and traffic.
Theres not much we can do about any of that, but when it comes to traffic, an automatic gearbox goes a long way to soothing the frustration of sitting in stop-start traffic. In fact, in a statistic Ive just made up, an automatic gearbox can add three years to your life expectancy.
The problem of course is that there are precious few small automatic cars on the market, and even fewer with autoboxes that are any good. And so when I heard that a version of the sharp-looking new Hyundai i20 was available in automatic, I was very keen to have a go.
The Hyundai i20 is a very popular car in South Africa, a feat it has achieved in spite of being quite dull to look at. But the new one is a huge leap forward. Sure, it apes the Audi A1 a bit, but thats not a bad thing, is it? Its a properly grown up design, and I feel its one of the best in the busy B-segment.
And so we wanted to find out, whats it like to drive, and to live with? In this quick review, we drove the top of the range Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid Auto, in a fetching bronze colour.
Hyundai i20 Auto vs Volkswagen Polo Auto vs Opel Corsa Auto
Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid Auto
Opel Corsa 1.4 Enjoy Auto
Price
R223 500
R216 500
Engine
1.4 litre 4-cyl naturally aspirated
1.4 litre 4-cyl naturally aspirated
Power
74kW
66kW
Torque
133Nm
130Nm
Gears
4
6
0 100km/h
13.2 seconds
13.9 seconds
Fuel economy
7.5 litres/100km
6.0 litres/100km
Boot space
294 litres
285 litres
Airbags
2
6
Stability Control
No
Yes
USB
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid Auto
VWPolo 1.2TSI Highline Auto
Price
R223 500
R262 200
Engine
1.4 litre 4-cyl naturally aspirated
1.2 litre 4-cyl turbo petrol
Power
74kW
81kW
Torque
133Nm
175Nm
Gears
4
7
0 100km/h
13.2 seconds
9.3 seconds
Fuel economy
7.5 litres/100km
5.1 litres/100km
Boot space
294 litres
280 litres
Airbags
2
4 (opt 6)
Stability Control
No
Yes
USB
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
2016 Hyundai Elantra Teased
Hyundai has released a teaser image revealing a fresh look for the 2016 Elantra. According to Hyundai, designers identified a series of ‘innovative design aspects’ to enhance its presence.
Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer at Hyundai Motor Company said: The All-new Elantra captures the cars unique design characteristics that really place this model in a class of its own. The subtle and innovative appearance enhancements reflect Hyundai Motors vision for design. Furthermore, this car indicates a move from traditional to modern styling by communicating the new models comfort, fashion and sporty feel.
As can be seen from the teaser image, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra features a large hexagonal grille flanked by slim headlights while the wheel arches have been redesigned to enhance the Elantra’s dynamic character.
Technical details are scarce at this point, but the 2016 Elantra is likely to be shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2015.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Revealed
Toyota has revealed details regarding the facelifted Toyota Land Cruiser which can be expected in South Africa by the end of 2015.
What’s New?
For starters, the exterior design has changed somewhat and up front you will notice a redesigned grille with a three-bar design that extends into the LED projector-style headlights. The bumpers, bonnet, fenders, side protection mouldings and door handles have been reworked too.
At the rear, the Land Cruiser features a new upper tailgate panel, combination taillights, reflectors and mudguards. Toyota has also added two new colours to the mix including Copper Brown and Onyx Blue.
On the inside, the interior benefits from added soft padding with particualar attention paid to material thickness and finish. Switches, buttons and dials have been restyled and regrouped to improve usability while a storage area with a 12V outlet has also been added.
The Toyota Land Cruiser also benefits from a new Optitron intrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. Top-spec models also feature a larger 9-inch display screen compared to the previous 8-inch system.
New driver assistance systems in the facelifted Land Cruiser include a Pre-Collision Safety System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and automatic high beam. A blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert and panoramic multi-terrain monitor is also available.
Toyota Land Cruiser Engines
Toyota South Africa are keeping engine details for the facelifted Land Cruiser close to their chest for now, but you can expect details to surface closer to the vehicle’s launch in South Africa towards the end of the year.
In Australia however, the Land Cruiser will be powered by either a 200kW/650Nm 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine or a 227kW/439Nm 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Watch the video below to see what you can expect from the facelifted Toyota Land Cruiser!
Audi A6 1.8T FSI (2015) Review
The Audi A6 of 2015 returns to the limelight as a facelifted model. Theres a few updates to the exterior and interior, but its largely the same vehicle as before. There is however this new four-cylinder 1.8-litre turbo engine, but has it got the guts and grunt to keep the premium Audi buyer happy? We tested this entry-level A6 to see if it can deliver the goods.
Downsizing
Audi is no stranger to downsizing its engines, yet it is still able to keep power and torque levels acceptable. For instance the Audi A1 now has a 1-Litre turbo and something as big as a Q3 can make do with a 1.4-Litre turbo. So in order to continue the pursuit of fuel economy gains, Audi has installed a four-cylinder 1.8-Litre motor to do duty under the bonnet. Engine nerds will point out that this is the same engine that does duty in the Volkswagen Polo GTI.
The 1.8-Litre in this A6 puts out 140 kW and 320 Nm of torque so the figures still do an A6 justice. In town situations the smaller engine is blissfully easy to live with. Fuel consumption is low and turbo lag is non-existent so scooting around traffic is a cinch. The A6 is one of the most comfortable and isolated cars to sit in traffic with. The seven-speed S tronic box clicks away silently in the background and with Audi build quality sealing off all exterior sounds, its extremely pleasant and quiet.
On the open road
Theres not much to dislike about the way the Audi A6 goes about its business in the city. Out on the wide open road its nearly as good. Accelerating up to 120kph is taken care of with consummate ease, but overtaking is not as Audi efficient as expected. The 1.8-Litre starts to run out of puff when called on to do speedy overtakes or accelerate on a steep incline.
Spice up your A6
Getting your Audi A6 to suit you just perfectly is no hard task. There is bucket load of options to choose from of which the Matrix LED headlamps are the most expensive at R38k. They are extremely potent lights and certainly make night driving easier. All you do is set the lights to bright and it will intelligently light the road ahead as well as making sure that oncoming drivers dont get dazzled. See why Audi Matrix lights are one of our favourite car technologies here.
This specific A6 came with the Sports Suspension setup that firms things up a bit, but there is also the option to get adaptive air suspension. The ride on the Sports Suspension was excellent though, giving the A6 a bit more dynamic feel without being crashy or harsh over bumps and ruts. Obviously both setups are optional extras.
Interior
Not too many people complain about an Audi interior nowadays. Its beautifully designed and built, and exudes a premium aura. Spend enough money on options and you can get anything your heart desires in an A6. Watch out though as it can get expensive and things like MMI Navigation Plus go for R22k and a sunroof at R13k. The same goes for the exterior options where the S-Line Sports package introduces a much more aggressive front end.
Theres plenty of space in the rear of the A6 with the option for dual-zone climate control in the back. The boot is wide and deep, making it easy to load things into and at 530-Litres, its more than enough. Only the Merc E-Class and VW Passat are able to surpass the Audis luggage capacity in this segment.
Verdict
The facelifted Audi A6 1.8T is a hard car to fault as it does everything you want an executive sedan to do. In town the A6 is quiet, refined and sedate. It potters around in bumper to bumper traffic with its excellent automatic gearbox. On the freeway it rides well and remains comfortable over long journeys. It could do with a little more punch in the higher RPM zone when its called on to pull off an overtaking manoeuvre. The ride is comfortable and not overly sporty and its a car that is very easy to live with day-to-day. The interior is top notch and Audi has pretty much honed its talents so that its near perfect, barring the rotary knob that works the wrong way for us in right-hand drive countries.
Audi A6 Pricing
At a base price of R601 000 the A6 1.8T is less expensive than the equivalent Merc E-Class and BMW 5 Series. Throw in some extras that make the A6 look sporty and some more that give you all the connectivity inside and the A6 will cost around R750 000. Still, thats probably what youre likely to pay for any of the other Germans.
While I’d love to own the flagship fire-breathing S6, it’s this A6 which makes the most sense. Given the state of our roads and incessant crack down on speeding, it’s much wiser to opt for a downsized car anyways. The ride and build quality in this car are next level, and you’re getting a proper premium sedan at prices cheaper than it’s rivals. -David Taylor
We Like: Town driving, premium feel and comfort, small engine punches well
We Dont Like: Could do with more overtaking grunt
Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Jaguar XF, Volkswagen Passat
New Lexus GS and LX 570 Shown at Pebble Beach
Lexus has used the Pebble Beach Concours d Elegance to showcase the facelifted GS sedan range as well as the LX 570 luxury SUV.
Lexus GS Updated
The big news for the Lexus GS is that a new 200t model now joins the range. The rear-wheel drive 200t is powerd by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that offers up 180 kW and 349 Nm of torque via a 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 7.1L/100km.
The GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine that now develops more power and torque than before with 232 kW and 379 Nm of torque. The GS 350 also makes use of a 8-speed autimatic transmission.
The GS 450h employs the same 3.5-litre V6 and water-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor from before with 252 kW via CVT transmission. 0-100kph for the 450h takes less than 6 seconds.
In terms of styling, the signature Lexus spindle grille is framed with satin chrome trim and flanked by bi-LED headlights fitted as standard. The latest GS also features a new front bumper and rocker panel design as well as revised tailights, rear trim and newly designed 18 and 19-inch machine-finish wheels.
The Lexus GS is fitted with a 12.3-inch screen that benefits from a full-screen map when equipped with navigation and now also features enhanced voice recognition and graphics. The GS 350 and 450h comes with navigation fitted as standard. Various interior trims are also available.
In terms of safety, the 2016 Lexus GS features 10 airbags as well as the new Lexux Safety System + which combines Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High-Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Lexus LX 570 Gets Facelift
The facelifted LX 570 features a large one-piece spindle grille with a new front bumper, revised LED headlights and LED fog lights. The rear bumper has also been revised and the taillights are sharper compared to the outgoing model. New 20 and 21-inch wheel designs add a bit more flair to the overall package. The infotainment system has also been upgraded with a 12.3-inch screen with the instrument cluster is larger at 4.2-inches. A panoramic view camara system is fitted as standard.
The LX 570 now gets a new Drive Mode Select dial on the console which includes, ECO, COMFORT, SPORT S and SPORT S+ mode. Safety has improved too with the addition of Lexus Safety System+ and 10 airbags are fitted as standard.
The Lexus LX 570 is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine that produces 286 kW and 546 Nm of torque. The outgoing 6-speed automatic transmission has now been replaced with a 8-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity for the LX 570 is rated 3 175 kg.
Lexus South Africa says that the facelifted GS can be expected in South Africa in January 2016 while the LX 570 is due for launch at the end of 2015. We will keep you updated as more information regading local specs and pricing becomes available.
Mercedes-Benz has revealed details of the new C-Class Coupe that will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, while the top-of-range C63 and C63 S Coupe will be revealed on 19 August 2015.
New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
As you will see from watching the video below, the C-Class Coupe has grown somewhat compared to its predecessor and stands 95mm longer, 40mm wider and with a wheelbase that's been stretched by 80mm. In terms of engines, the C-Class Coupe will borrow from offerings found in the sedan and wagon and also share the same transmissions and optional air suspension. Compared to the outgoing model, the new C-Class Coupe features up to 20% improvements in fuel economy. In Europe, four engines will power the C-Class Coupe.
The range starts with the C 180 with its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 115 kW. The C 200 is powered by a 135 kW 2.0-litre engine while the 2.0-litre C 250 produces 155 kW. The C 300 Coupe and 4MATIC version will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that offers 180 kW and 370 Nm of torque. Two diesel models will offer 125 kW and 150 kW from a 2.1-litre engine. As is to be expected, the new C-Class Coupe will also be offered with a comprehensive suite of safety and assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, brake assist, active lane keeping assist, active parking assist as well as a 360-degree camera system. The air conditioning will also work in conjunction with the sat-nav to close the air re-circulation flap while driving through a tunnel and then re-opens when exiting the tunnel, quite nifty indeed.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe can be expected in South Africa in 2016 and we will keep you informed as further details become available in weeks to come. For now though, feast your eyes on the videos below to see what you can expect from the new C-Class Coupe.
Update: Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe price in South Africa
C200 R551 100
C220d R592 700
C300 R660 300
All-New Kia Sportage Teased
Kia has released teaser images of its all-new fourth generation Sportage compact crossover which is set to make its debut on 17 September 2015 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
New Look for Sportage Crossover
Judging from the images, it’s clear that Kia has made some rather drastic changes to improve the overall look of the vehicle. The ‘tiger nose’ grille is positioned lower than the outgoing model and the headlights have been overhauled and also incorporate LED daytime running lights.
The all-new Sportage also features front and rear underbody protection while the rear taillights are sleeker too. A rear-mounted spoiler adds to the dynamic look.
For the interior, it’s expected that Kia will go all out to change things up in the new Sportage, borrowing elements from the Sorento and Optima sedan. From the teaser image, it’s evident that the new Sportage could very well be fitted with bolstered seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, large touch screen display, an automatic transmission and a large central armrest. Metallic accents throughout the cabin will brighten things up a bit too.
More details are expected to be revealed closer to the Sportage’s reveal in September so keep your eyes peeled!
